LAHORE In a significant development, Pakistan government has announced to grant on arrival visa free of cost to the Sikhs from the US, Canada and UK to facilitate them to pay obeisance at historic gurdwaras in the country. 

As per the announcement that was made by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with a 44-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims from the US held at Lahore on October 3, the Sikhs from these countries will receive free online visas within 30 minutes upon arrival in Pakistan.

 “You’re welcome to visit Pakistan up to 10 times a year. Each time, we will welcome you here. Applicants only need to fill out a form to receive a visa in 30 minutes”: These were the words spoken by Naqvi to the Sikh delegation. He expressed willingness to open other Sikh sites in Pakistan, and said that no permit would be required for visiting them, as per a report of English daily Dawn. 

“Our government wishes that more and more pilgrims, including young Sikhs, should visit Pakistan”, said the Pak minister.

The announcement was in response to the request made by visiting US Sikhs. They expressed their appreciation for the free online visa facility, stating that it has made travel much easier. They said they were also interested in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan. 

Welcoming the Sikh delegation, Naqvi emphasized the ease of travel for US citizens through a visa-on-arrival system, allowing multiple visits without obstacles.

The delegation included Dr Dalvir Singh Pannu, Surjit Singh Hothi, Ranjeet Singh Kahlon and Lakhman Singh.

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Ramesh Singh Arora said, “It will encourage visits to holy sites including Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. The plan aims to host upto one million Sikh pilgrims annually, showing strong support for the community”.

Sikhs from these western countries reach Pakistan in large numbers to visit Gurdwara Nankana Sahib which is birth place of Sikhi’s founder Guru Nanak, and other historic and sacred gurdwaras including Kartarpur Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib. Nankana Sahib sees a big footfall of Sikhs from these countries on the occasion of Parkash gurpurb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak, which is celebrated there on a large scale. 

It is noteworthy that Sikhs living in India-administered states including Punjab have been demanding the condition of carrying a passport for the pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib, final resting place of Guru Nanak Sahib, through the transborder visa free corridor be removed. However, this demand is not being met by the Indian government. Without paying heed toward this demand, bilateral agreement between Indian and Pakistan has been renewed for five more years.